The Mid-Atlantic region holds the states Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. These states were part of the original 13 colonies.
Native Americans were the first settlers in these states. They crossed the Bering Ice Bridge about 15,000 spreading all across the Americas. Many of the tribes in the region were hunting-gathering societies. A lot of their culture relied on oral transmission.
Pennsylvania was home to the Meadowcroft Rockshelter, which holds remains of the Clovis people. Native Americans in Pennsylvania began to develop more agricultural practices to increase food supply.
The Lenape tribe resided in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, whereas the Susquehannock tribe lived in more eastern and central parts of the state. Both tribes spoke an Algonquian language and were eventually pushed further west when the Europeans arrived. The Shawnee would eventually arrive to Pennsylvania in the 17th century. They were known for their nomadic and hunting-gathering lifestyle.
The Algonquin people made a large chunk of the tribes being represented in the eastern coast. Maryland holds four of the Algonquin tribes that still are around today: the Choptank, the Delaware, the Matapeake, and the Nanticoke. These tribes were located throughout the state. Their lifestyle was driven by hunting and gathering, particularly in fishing.
There were also three prominent tribes from the Iroquois Confederacy present in northern Maryland: Massawomeck , the Susquehannock , and the Tuscarora.
In New Jersey, Lenape was the first tribe to settle in the state; they are part of the Algonquin nation. In New Jersey, there were three sub-tribes of the Lenape tribe, which are Minsi, Unami, and the Unilachtigo.
In addition to hunting and gathering, the tribe was also known for cultivating corn and squash. The Lenape were subject to mediating frequent conflicts between other neighboring tribes and nations.
The Lenape people also resided in modern day Delaware along with the Susquehanna and Nanticoke tribes.
When the Europeans arrived in the 17th century, they began to settle and encroach on the land of these tribes.
The French explorer Etienne Brule is the first European to arrive in Pennsylvania. He was also the first colonist to reside with Native Americans with the Huron tribe eventually killing him in 1632.
The Swedish also had an influence in Pennsylvania by creating Tinicum township, the first European settlement in the state.
In 1681, William Penn is given money from King Charles in starting a colony in Pennsylvania. He was instrumental in laying out the modern city of Philadelphia. William Penn was also a well known Quaker, who were known for their values on equality and tolerance. They were also known for their anti-slavery sentiments. In 1688, German Mennonites wrote up a memorandum opposing slavery in the colony, making it the first time an anti-slavery document was adopted. The state later on banned slaves arriving to the state.
Pennsylvania became a state known for its tolerance and inclusivity. In 1701, Charter of Privileges for the Province of Pennsylvania was passed, promoting religious freedom.
The Chesapeake Bay was of interest to numerous Europeans. With John Cabot arriving in 1498 and Giovanni da Verrazano in 1524, it attracted interest. The Spanish also later explored the Chesapeake Bay in the 1570s. Later on, the English explore the Bay with Captain John Smith arriving in 1609.
Charles I gives a charter to George Calvert, who later passes it onto his son Cecilius Calvert. As a result, many English settlers begin to arrive. Like Pennsylvania, Maryland was also a pivotal state when it came to protecting freedom of religion. In 1649, An Act concerning Religion was passed, promoting religious toleration.
In 1650s, the Susquehannocks are forced to give away Eastern Shore and Western Shore lands to the colonists. Eventually, a war breaks out between the tribe and Maryland and Virginia.
Unlike Pennsylvania, slavery becomes legal, and slaves serve a lifetime to their masters.
Giovanni da Verrazano also was the first European to explore and land in modern day New Jersey. In 1609, Henry Hudson arrives and lands in Newark Bay. This leads to the Dutch having control over that area. Dutch settlements began to appear, especially in modern day Jersey City.
Eventually, the English gain control over the colony from the Dutch in the 1660s. This results in New Jersey being split into two: East and West Jersey, but are later combined into one in 1702.
In Delaware, the Dutch were the first group of Europeans to arrive and settle on the land. They were known for establishing trading posts throughout the state. The Swedish were also present in the territory, and they established a trading post in Fort Christina, which is present day Wilmington. The Dutch and Swedish were in frequent battle with each other when it came to gaining power and control over the territory. Eventually, the Dutch drove out the Swedish in the 1650s.
The Dutch were also in frequent conflict with the Native Americans. In the 1630s, a war broke out between the colonists and the Native Americans, leading to the Dutch settlement Zwaanendael to be destroyed.
In 1664, James II, who is the brother of King Charles II of England, kicked the Dutch out and gained control over the territory. He later on gives Delaware to William Penn, who at the time was governing Pennsylvania.
The Mason-Dixie line eventually defined the borders of the Maryland and Delaware.
The printing press was a unique invention that was born in the Mid-Atlantic region. Delaware and Pennsylvania were building printing shops throughout their states. This helped to decimate and share information to other people.
Pennsylvania was also a birth place for other well known inventions, such as lighting rods and the almanac. It was also the first state to have a hospital.
Iron was an important resource, and Reading, Pennsylvania was the first city to produce iron. Iron became a much needed commodity for future wars, such as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
A conflict between two European powers led to the French-Indian war. The French and British were fighting for control over the upper Ohio River Valley area.
With the French-Indian war, Britain's victory was able to define Pennsylvania's border by preventing settlement west of the Appalachian regions through the passage of the Proclamation of 1763. This was also to provide some land for Native Americans because they made an earlier attempt to oust the British through Pontiac's Rebellion, but eventually made peace with them.
Tensions arose in Pennsylvania due to the rising control Britain was having over the colonies. In the 1770s, the Continental Congress met up to discuss and write up formal grievances that they have faced with the British in Pennsylvania. The Congress was essential in the development of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution eventually.
Pennsylvania was also home to crucial battles, such as the Battle of Brandywine Creek and Germantown. The Battle of Brandywine Creek resulted in British victory; the British gained control Philadelphia, but were pushed by George Washington and his forces a year later in 1778.
The Enlightenment movement took a hold in New Jersey with institutions, such as Princeton, being established to promote thought of the movement in 1756.
New Jersey served as the crossroads of the American Revolution because several important and climatic battles were fought there, such as Battle of Trenton and Princeton. New Jersey was centered between Philadelphia and New York, where the British had their forces stationed there. African American and Jewish people also fought in the war, especially in the battles occurring in New Jersey. The famous portrait of George Washington crossing the Delaware River was to arrive at a 12 day retreat in New Jersey.
Maryland's short lived stance on religious freedom is lost. In 1718, Catholics become disenfranchised in Maryland. However, Baptist and Lutheran churches were being established throughout the state.
Maryland was also a vocal supporter in the call in opposing British efforts in grasping more control over the colonies. The Sons of Liberty was organized in Baltimore, and merchants followed a nonimportation policy on British goods.
Moving into the 18th century, Delaware was growing economically. Mills were being constructed to extract and trade raw materials, such as flour.
With the American Revolution taking place throughout the eastern coast, Delaware played a crucial role in those efforts. In 1776, Delaware declared independence from Britain and created their own state constitution. Delaware did indeed have one battle fought in their state, which was the Battle of Cooch's Bridge in 1777. This pushed back Americans fighting in the war, leading to a British victory.
Delaware was also home to people who strongly allied themselves with the British. A rebellion broke out with the Loyalists (people loyal to the British crown), which was led by Cheney Clow. It was known as the Cheney Clow's Rebellion. The Delaware militia sent Lt. Col. Charles Pope to monitor the activities that Clow and his forces were doing. Pope eventually finds out a fort was built by the Loyalist forces and destroys that, and then Clow is later arrested.
After the Revolutionary War, states were making strides within their government. In 1778, the first American treaty was signed between the U.S. and Native Americans at Fort Pitt.
In 1780, Pennsylvania abolished slavery in their state.
In Delaware, the import and export of slaves were to be banned, but the governor vetoed those measures. It was later mentioned in the state constitution in 1776 that slaves of Black or Indigenous decent cannot be imported and sold. This resulted in an increase of slaves being sold, and eventually led to legislation punishing kidnappers taking Black or Indigenous people as slaves.
Slavery was still legal in Maryland, and was only abolished in 1864.
When New Jersey was split into two states, Eastern New Jersey passed laws to make masters give food to their slaves. Eastern New Jersey also created a court that held 12 men; the intention of the court is to try and convict slaves who committed murder or other felonies.
Once New Jersey was reunified in 1704, An Act for Regulating Negro, Indian and Mallatto Slaves within this Province of New-Jersey made it more harsh for slaves, stating that Christian conversion and baptism will not guarantee slave emancipation and gave permission for the master to whip their slaves if they were 10 miles away. However, it also banned the purchasing and selling of slaves.
After the Revolutionary War, women and slaves were given the right to vote through the 1776 New Jersey state constitution; the provision was later reversed in 1807.
By 1804, slavery in New Jersey was abolished.
Because of the failures of the Articles of Confederation, Americans wanted to create a stronger constitution. The Constitutional Convention convened in 1787 in Philadelphia to discuss how to create a strong foundational democracy. The Constitution was eventually ratified on September 17, 1787, and Philadelphia became the capital from 1790 to 1800.
Shortly after the passage of the Constitution, the Whiskey Rebellion took place in 1794. President Washington was able to put the rebellion down due to strong federal support. The rebellion erupted because of the excise taxes placed on whiskey, which angered the farmers.
Industrialization marked the mid-18th through 19th century. Factories were built and new modes of transportation were appearing throughout the states.
In Delaware, a canal between Delaware River and Chesapeake Bay was connected through a canal. It helped build and expand the economy for Delaware.
Roads were also developed throughout the country. The National Road was built from 1811 to 1834, and it connected Ohio to Maryland. At that time, it really helped people move to the West. It is known as Route 40, and it became the first government supported road. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal also helped facilitate transportation.
In New Jersey, the city of Paterson became the hub for industrialization. Silk was also another commodity that New Jersey was manufacturing.
New Jersey was also known for their transportation advancements. The first ocean steamboat sailed from Hoboken, New Jersey to Philadelphia. Canals were also built to help increase transportation of goods throughout the state and establish trading networks with other states. Railroads were also built in 1830s. The Camden & Amboy Railroad is one such example, and it helped connect Philadelphia and New York.
Pennsylvania built one of the largest railroads companies in the world. The state oversaw construction of several railroads all across the country.
[War of 1812]
The War of 1812 took place between America and Britain due to the rising tension over maritime control. In 1807, Chesapeake-Leopard Affair took place between two ships of U.S. and British origin. The British intercepted the American ship, leading up to the War of 1812.
When the Civil War began, the Confederacy wanted Delaware to join them, but Delaware declined. However, a small portion of troops fight in the Confederate side.
The bloodiest battle in the Civil War took place in Sharpsburg, Maryland. The Battle of Antietam resulted in more than 23,000 individuals dying. The Union took on a major victory from this battle.
Pennsylvania was a prominent spot for the Civil War, especially in the city of Gettysburg. The Battle of Gettysburg paved way for a Union victory, which prompted President Lincoln to give his Emancipation Proclamation Address.
[Civil War]
[Race (Immigration and Post-civil war)]
Native Americans were the first settlers in these states. They crossed the Bering Ice Bridge about 15,000 spreading all across the Americas. Many of the tribes in the region were hunting-gathering societies. A lot of their culture relied on oral transmission.
Pennsylvania was home to the Meadowcroft Rockshelter, which holds remains of the Clovis people. Native Americans in Pennsylvania began to develop more agricultural practices to increase food supply.
The Lenape tribe resided in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, whereas the Susquehannock tribe lived in more eastern and central parts of the state. Both tribes spoke an Algonquian language and were eventually pushed further west when the Europeans arrived. The Shawnee would eventually arrive to Pennsylvania in the 17th century. They were known for their nomadic and hunting-gathering lifestyle.
The Algonquin people made a large chunk of the tribes being represented in the eastern coast. Maryland holds four of the Algonquin tribes that still are around today: the Choptank, the Delaware, the Matapeake, and the Nanticoke. These tribes were located throughout the state. Their lifestyle was driven by hunting and gathering, particularly in fishing.
There were also three prominent tribes from the Iroquois Confederacy present in northern Maryland: Massawomeck , the Susquehannock , and the Tuscarora.
In New Jersey, Lenape was the first tribe to settle in the state; they are part of the Algonquin nation. In New Jersey, there were three sub-tribes of the Lenape tribe, which are Minsi, Unami, and the Unilachtigo.
In addition to hunting and gathering, the tribe was also known for cultivating corn and squash. The Lenape were subject to mediating frequent conflicts between other neighboring tribes and nations.
The Lenape people also resided in modern day Delaware along with the Susquehanna and Nanticoke tribes.
When the Europeans arrived in the 17th century, they began to settle and encroach on the land of these tribes.
The French explorer Etienne Brule is the first European to arrive in Pennsylvania. He was also the first colonist to reside with Native Americans with the Huron tribe eventually killing him in 1632.
The Swedish also had an influence in Pennsylvania by creating Tinicum township, the first European settlement in the state.
In 1681, William Penn is given money from King Charles in starting a colony in Pennsylvania. He was instrumental in laying out the modern city of Philadelphia. William Penn was also a well known Quaker, who were known for their values on equality and tolerance. They were also known for their anti-slavery sentiments. In 1688, German Mennonites wrote up a memorandum opposing slavery in the colony, making it the first time an anti-slavery document was adopted. The state later on banned slaves arriving to the state.
Pennsylvania became a state known for its tolerance and inclusivity. In 1701, Charter of Privileges for the Province of Pennsylvania was passed, promoting religious freedom.
The Chesapeake Bay was of interest to numerous Europeans. With John Cabot arriving in 1498 and Giovanni da Verrazano in 1524, it attracted interest. The Spanish also later explored the Chesapeake Bay in the 1570s. Later on, the English explore the Bay with Captain John Smith arriving in 1609.
Charles I gives a charter to George Calvert, who later passes it onto his son Cecilius Calvert. As a result, many English settlers begin to arrive. Like Pennsylvania, Maryland was also a pivotal state when it came to protecting freedom of religion. In 1649, An Act concerning Religion was passed, promoting religious toleration.
In 1650s, the Susquehannocks are forced to give away Eastern Shore and Western Shore lands to the colonists. Eventually, a war breaks out between the tribe and Maryland and Virginia.
Unlike Pennsylvania, slavery becomes legal, and slaves serve a lifetime to their masters.
Giovanni da Verrazano also was the first European to explore and land in modern day New Jersey. In 1609, Henry Hudson arrives and lands in Newark Bay. This leads to the Dutch having control over that area. Dutch settlements began to appear, especially in modern day Jersey City.
Eventually, the English gain control over the colony from the Dutch in the 1660s. This results in New Jersey being split into two: East and West Jersey, but are later combined into one in 1702.
In Delaware, the Dutch were the first group of Europeans to arrive and settle on the land. They were known for establishing trading posts throughout the state. The Swedish were also present in the territory, and they established a trading post in Fort Christina, which is present day Wilmington. The Dutch and Swedish were in frequent battle with each other when it came to gaining power and control over the territory. Eventually, the Dutch drove out the Swedish in the 1650s.
The Dutch were also in frequent conflict with the Native Americans. In the 1630s, a war broke out between the colonists and the Native Americans, leading to the Dutch settlement Zwaanendael to be destroyed.
In 1664, James II, who is the brother of King Charles II of England, kicked the Dutch out and gained control over the territory. He later on gives Delaware to William Penn, who at the time was governing Pennsylvania.
The Mason-Dixie line eventually defined the borders of the Maryland and Delaware.
The printing press was a unique invention that was born in the Mid-Atlantic region. Delaware and Pennsylvania were building printing shops throughout their states. This helped to decimate and share information to other people.
Pennsylvania was also a birth place for other well known inventions, such as lighting rods and the almanac. It was also the first state to have a hospital.
Iron was an important resource, and Reading, Pennsylvania was the first city to produce iron. Iron became a much needed commodity for future wars, such as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
A conflict between two European powers led to the French-Indian war. The French and British were fighting for control over the upper Ohio River Valley area.
With the French-Indian war, Britain's victory was able to define Pennsylvania's border by preventing settlement west of the Appalachian regions through the passage of the Proclamation of 1763. This was also to provide some land for Native Americans because they made an earlier attempt to oust the British through Pontiac's Rebellion, but eventually made peace with them.
Tensions arose in Pennsylvania due to the rising control Britain was having over the colonies. In the 1770s, the Continental Congress met up to discuss and write up formal grievances that they have faced with the British in Pennsylvania. The Congress was essential in the development of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution eventually.
Pennsylvania was also home to crucial battles, such as the Battle of Brandywine Creek and Germantown. The Battle of Brandywine Creek resulted in British victory; the British gained control Philadelphia, but were pushed by George Washington and his forces a year later in 1778.
The Enlightenment movement took a hold in New Jersey with institutions, such as Princeton, being established to promote thought of the movement in 1756.
New Jersey served as the crossroads of the American Revolution because several important and climatic battles were fought there, such as Battle of Trenton and Princeton. New Jersey was centered between Philadelphia and New York, where the British had their forces stationed there. African American and Jewish people also fought in the war, especially in the battles occurring in New Jersey. The famous portrait of George Washington crossing the Delaware River was to arrive at a 12 day retreat in New Jersey.
Maryland's short lived stance on religious freedom is lost. In 1718, Catholics become disenfranchised in Maryland. However, Baptist and Lutheran churches were being established throughout the state.
Maryland was also a vocal supporter in the call in opposing British efforts in grasping more control over the colonies. The Sons of Liberty was organized in Baltimore, and merchants followed a nonimportation policy on British goods.
Moving into the 18th century, Delaware was growing economically. Mills were being constructed to extract and trade raw materials, such as flour.
With the American Revolution taking place throughout the eastern coast, Delaware played a crucial role in those efforts. In 1776, Delaware declared independence from Britain and created their own state constitution. Delaware did indeed have one battle fought in their state, which was the Battle of Cooch's Bridge in 1777. This pushed back Americans fighting in the war, leading to a British victory.
Delaware was also home to people who strongly allied themselves with the British. A rebellion broke out with the Loyalists (people loyal to the British crown), which was led by Cheney Clow. It was known as the Cheney Clow's Rebellion. The Delaware militia sent Lt. Col. Charles Pope to monitor the activities that Clow and his forces were doing. Pope eventually finds out a fort was built by the Loyalist forces and destroys that, and then Clow is later arrested.
After the Revolutionary War, states were making strides within their government. In 1778, the first American treaty was signed between the U.S. and Native Americans at Fort Pitt.
In 1780, Pennsylvania abolished slavery in their state.
In Delaware, the import and export of slaves were to be banned, but the governor vetoed those measures. It was later mentioned in the state constitution in 1776 that slaves of Black or Indigenous decent cannot be imported and sold. This resulted in an increase of slaves being sold, and eventually led to legislation punishing kidnappers taking Black or Indigenous people as slaves.
Slavery was still legal in Maryland, and was only abolished in 1864.
When New Jersey was split into two states, Eastern New Jersey passed laws to make masters give food to their slaves. Eastern New Jersey also created a court that held 12 men; the intention of the court is to try and convict slaves who committed murder or other felonies.
Once New Jersey was reunified in 1704, An Act for Regulating Negro, Indian and Mallatto Slaves within this Province of New-Jersey made it more harsh for slaves, stating that Christian conversion and baptism will not guarantee slave emancipation and gave permission for the master to whip their slaves if they were 10 miles away. However, it also banned the purchasing and selling of slaves.
After the Revolutionary War, women and slaves were given the right to vote through the 1776 New Jersey state constitution; the provision was later reversed in 1807.
By 1804, slavery in New Jersey was abolished.
Because of the failures of the Articles of Confederation, Americans wanted to create a stronger constitution. The Constitutional Convention convened in 1787 in Philadelphia to discuss how to create a strong foundational democracy. The Constitution was eventually ratified on September 17, 1787, and Philadelphia became the capital from 1790 to 1800.
Shortly after the passage of the Constitution, the Whiskey Rebellion took place in 1794. President Washington was able to put the rebellion down due to strong federal support. The rebellion erupted because of the excise taxes placed on whiskey, which angered the farmers.
Industrialization marked the mid-18th through 19th century. Factories were built and new modes of transportation were appearing throughout the states.
In Delaware, a canal between Delaware River and Chesapeake Bay was connected through a canal. It helped build and expand the economy for Delaware.
Roads were also developed throughout the country. The National Road was built from 1811 to 1834, and it connected Ohio to Maryland. At that time, it really helped people move to the West. It is known as Route 40, and it became the first government supported road. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal also helped facilitate transportation.
In New Jersey, the city of Paterson became the hub for industrialization. Silk was also another commodity that New Jersey was manufacturing.
New Jersey was also known for their transportation advancements. The first ocean steamboat sailed from Hoboken, New Jersey to Philadelphia. Canals were also built to help increase transportation of goods throughout the state and establish trading networks with other states. Railroads were also built in 1830s. The Camden & Amboy Railroad is one such example, and it helped connect Philadelphia and New York.
Pennsylvania built one of the largest railroads companies in the world. The state oversaw construction of several railroads all across the country.
[War of 1812]
The War of 1812 took place between America and Britain due to the rising tension over maritime control. In 1807, Chesapeake-Leopard Affair took place between two ships of U.S. and British origin. The British intercepted the American ship, leading up to the War of 1812.
When the Civil War began, the Confederacy wanted Delaware to join them, but Delaware declined. However, a small portion of troops fight in the Confederate side.
The bloodiest battle in the Civil War took place in Sharpsburg, Maryland. The Battle of Antietam resulted in more than 23,000 individuals dying. The Union took on a major victory from this battle.
Pennsylvania was a prominent spot for the Civil War, especially in the city of Gettysburg. The Battle of Gettysburg paved way for a Union victory, which prompted President Lincoln to give his Emancipation Proclamation Address.
[Civil War]
[Race (Immigration and Post-civil war)]
PA, NJ, Delaware, Maryland
Sources
- http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/portal/communities/pa-history/pre-1681.html
- https://lib.guides.umd.edu/mdnativeamericans
- https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/01glance/native/html/01native.html
- https://www.newjerseyalmanac.com/native-americans.html
- http://www.usgennet.org/usa/nj/state/Lenape.htm
- https://www.nj.gov/nj/about/facts/timeline/
- https://www.visitdelaware.com/listings/cheney-clows-rebellion/1601/
- https://revolutionarynj.org/learn/new-jersey-and-the-revolution/
- https://slavery.princeton.edu/stories/legislating-slavery-in-new-jersey
- https://www1.udel.edu/BlackHistory/overview.html#:~:text=While%20Lincoln's%201863%20Emancipation%20plan,Delaware%20slaves%20were%20finally%20free.
- https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/back0103.cfm